Woman Dies 2 Weeks After Reported Death. State Anatomy Board officials said a woman mistaken for dead earlier this month by Anne Arundel County police officers has died. The anatomy board said 89-year-old Ruth Johnson died Saturday at a hospice. Meanwhile, Anne Arundel County’s police chief has ordered an investigation into the erroneous report of her death, saying the facts of the case are “deeply disturbing.” Police were called to check on Johnson on Oct. 1.Officers said they found her blue and not breathing on her bathroom floor but did not check for a pulse. Instead, they called Johnson’s adult son and told him his mother was dead.
Police: Man Use Obits To Find Scam Victims. Howard County investigators are seeking a man they said operated a home repair scam by scouring newspaper obituaries for potential victims.Miller Frank, 45, will be charged with operating a theft scheme, conducting home improvements without a license and theft, the Howard County Police Department said Monday. Officers said they believe Frank targeted elderly people who had recently experienced a death in the family and that he read the obits to find victims.In the most recent case, on Sept. 1, police said Frank approached a resident on Carillon Court in Ellicott City and offered to seal his driveway for $250. Frank covered the driveway with an unknown substance and took payment for the inferior work, police said.
Kratovil, Harris Show Differences During Debate. Over the weekend, 1st Congressional District Democratic incumbent Frank Kratovil squared off against Republican Andy Harris on a variety of issues during a League of Women Voters candidate forum in Queen Anne’s County.During the debate, Harris mentioned his opponent twice and referenced President Barack Obama as many as eight times.Like his TV ads, Kratovil made claims against Harris, proclaiming Harris received millions of dollars from the Wall Street interest group Club for Growth, which supports privatizing Social Security; however, Harris’ campaign literature states that he doesn’t support that.
Gubernatorial Candidates Target Women Voters. The top two candidates for governor are courting a key voting block: women.Gov. Martin O’Malley and former Gov. Bob Ehrlich are both unveiling ads targeting a female audience.Ehrlich’s ad features all women, including his running mate, Mary Kane.Analysts said it’s a final push to appeal to a segment of voters who could help decide the race.Meanwhile, O’Malley is countering with an ad of his own that spotlights one of Maryland’s most prominent female politicians.His ad features an endorsement from Maryland’s senior U.S. senator, Barbara Mikulski. O’Malley has also appeared at a series of events called “Thousand Women for O’Malley” rallies.
